We were privileged to visit the Holy land twice in 1993 and 1998. We have many memories of walking in the place where Jesus walked. 

.

~Sites in the Holy City of Jerusalem~

Jerusalem holds a privileged place in the hearts of Christians everywhere.  Names such as the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Via Dolorosa and Golgotha never fail to evoke the scenes and events described by the Apostles.   On all the sites associated with the Passion and death of Jesus, churches have been erected.  In some places several shrines have been set around the same spot. 

The Via Dolorous

The Via Dolorous is one of the holiest sites in Christendom.  It is the path taken by Jesus after his trial when, bearing his cross on his back, he made his way to the place of crucifixion of Golgotha. Churches mark the nine Stations of the Cross along the way.  This shrines bear the number of the Station they represent, each one commemorating one of the dramatic incidents which took place on Jesus' last journey. This was a very thought provoking walk for me, when I was there.

The Churches

The churches of the old city attract pilgrims from all over the world, all year around, but during the Christmas and Easter season there are more visitors thronging the churches.  The church of the Ascension,  Church of all Nations , Church of the Holy Sepulcher Church of John the Baptist, and many more are there.  The city is also known for its markets.  We enjoyed touring the markets while there.

Temple Mount

The Temple Mount is the most precious site to the Jew.  It is in the old city in East Jerusalem and  part of a retaining wall which dates back to

the time when a Jewish Temple stood on the Mount. It has a recorded history of 4,000 years.  It is traditionally identified as Mount Moriah, where Isaac was to be sacrificed by Abraham to God.  King David captured it from the Jebusites ,and it was here that the First and Second Jewish Temples stood.  

Wailing Wall

Then there is the famous Wailing wall, where people still go to pray.   The plot contains the Dome of the Rock, and theal-Aqsa Mosque - Islam's third holiest site and believed to be the future site of the new temple.

Bethlehem

The beautiful city of Bethlehem is known for  the birth of Jesus, the gleaning of the e barley fields by Boaz   and the church of the Nativity.  It was here that King David was born.  Jesse's youngest son, was anointed as the future King of Israel.  David was a descendant of the House of David.  Thus the lineage is preserved and the place imbued with eternal Messianic associations.   Rachel's tomb is on the road between Bethlehem and Jerusalem.  This is a popular site for visitors. Bethlehem was one of the cities we really enjoyed visiting  while there. 

Garden of Gethsemane

One of the most beautiful sites in the city.  It marks the spot where Jesus spent his last night on earth.  Here is where the Church of all Nations stand, and the Church of Mary Magdalene.  This place has trees which are thought to be as much as two thousand years old.  It was here that Jesus sat with his disciples and from here that he was led away to prison by the Roman guards.  It is from the site of a lovely shrine (The church of Ascension) atop the Mount of Olives that Jesus is said to have ascended to Heaven and will return again.